Crockpot Rotel Dip
69 CommentsUpdated Jan 18, 2026
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Make this easy Rotel Dip in the crockpot with melty cheese, seasoned meat, and canned tomatoes. Perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you need a quick appetizer.
Featured Comment
I followed your recipe and it turned out marvelous! My daughter said it was the best rotel dip I have ever made. I think adding the chili powder gave it that extra flavor it needed .
– Lizzie
Do you remember the Rotel dip commercials where just 2 ingredients are microwaved together? My crockpot rotel dip is much more than that simple recipe – and I could not microwave an appetizer for guests! Here is why to make this ASAP:
- Only 5 ingredients
- Serves 12 as an appetizer
- Easy to double for a large crowd
- Can be made in the crockpot or on the Stove-Top
Key Ingredients
This rotel dip with beef comes together with just a few pantry staples. Check the recipe card below for exact amounts and instructions.
Velveeta Cheese – Melts down into a smooth, rich base for the dip.
Ro-Tel Tomatoes – Two cans add flavor, spice, and the perfect consistency.
Ground Beef – Browned and drained before mixing in.
Seasonings – A mix of chili powder and garlic powder adds just the right amount of heat.
How to make Rotel Dip in the Crockpot
- Let the crockpot work its cheesy magic while everything melts into dip perfection.
- Give it a good stir, switch it to warm, and get those chips ready.
My Tips & Variations
- Meat Change: Swap ground beef for Jimmy Dean sausage, or chorizo
- Vegetarian: Omit beef and add black beans for a meatless version. You can even add half a box of drained spinach!
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a block of cream cheese for a richer dip
How to Serve Rotel Dip
We make this dip often, here is how we like to serve it:
- Rotel dip is best served with corn tortilla chips, which can be store-bought or homemade. Here is the recipe I use: Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe.
- You can also use “Frito” corn chips – buy the larger kind labeled “Fritos Scoops”.
- For a lower-carb or healthier option, you can serve the dip with vegetables such as carrot chips, sugar snap peas, cucumber, or celery.
How can I make this less spicy?
Rotel tends to be spicy; be sure to use “Mild” if you have any aversion to spicy food. Alternatively, you can use mild salsa or petite diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
How to Thin the Dip if it Thickens
The dip will thicken with time if left on the warm setting for a length of time while serving. Add a splash of milk to thin the dip.
Crockpot Rotel Dip Recipe
How to Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 16 oz. Velveeta cheese, (the small box)
- 20 oz. Rotel® diced Tomatoes with & Green Chiles, (TWO 10-oz. cans, undrained)
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
For serving
- corn chips
- chopped cilantro, optional
Instructions
Crockpot Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium high heat on the stove top. Brown and crumble the ground beef, drain the fat.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker, cube the velveeta and add on top of the beef.
- Pour over the can of rotel and sprinkle over the chili and garlic powder. Stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or until cheese is melted and the dip is hot.
- Tip: Keep the slow cooker on warm and stir occasionally to prevent sticking as it sits.
Stove Top Instructions
- After cooking the beef, simply heat the rest of the ingredients in that same pan until the right consistency.
- Note that cooking on the stove top will evaporate more liquid so you may have to add milk to thin the rotel dip.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
You can keep this in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. To heat up the leftovers, heat in a saucepan or in the microwave.
More Crockpot Dips
From Crockpot Queso Dip, made with creamy white cheese and green peppers, to Chili Cheese Dip, these crowd-pleasing recipes are perfect for any occasion.
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip and Velveeta Bean Dip bring bold, cheesy flavors with minimal effort. For a smoky twist, try Slow Cooker Smoked Queso or the rich and savory Slow Cooker Sausage Dip.
Slow Cooker Nacho Cheese is a must for nacho lovers, offering a smooth, melty texture that’s perfect for dipping. Slow Cooker Taco Dip has a zesty kick that is one of my most popular dips.
How can I take this to a party? Cook on high for 2 hours at home then just bring the crockpot and put on warm at the party?
Yes! That is what I do. If it thickens up too much add a touch of milk or water at the party.
Love this.
Does 2 cans help with the thickness?? I’ve always use one can and it gets pretty thick and I end up using splashes of milk!
Yes! That’s why I add 2 cans.
Instead of 2 cans, we add some salsa and some salsa con queso to it and it’s amazing and not too thick
drain the rotel first or no?
No, do not drain.
Uh… Read The Recipe!
Doubled the recipe to make more. How can I help the thickness?
Leave the lid off. It will thicken up quick.
I used Italian sausage and cooked it like Burger first and then I put it in. Lots of more spice the hotter the better. It was absolutely a big hit. You can put bread pieces on the side crackers or tortillas it was yummy and I also put a little bit of sour cream in mine or cream cheese not much just a little yum yum. And I top it with cilantro which I love enjoy
I’ve been making this dip over 30 yrs but I use 1lb ground beef to one pound veleveta and 1 can rotel mild. That’s it, nothing else. Makes for a great low carb dip if you use pork rinds instead of tortillas. I also cook the ground beef, drain, then add the Rotel and sautee, then melt the cheese in the microwave, pour hot beef mixture on top and mix. Saves having to clean out a crock pot. Always goes over great at parties!
This is my new favorite. Its quick and easy. I actually don’t like how the Velveeta tastes in this recipe, so I use the Walmart brand cheese, it is much milder and makes it much more delicious to me. Thank you for this recipe.
What Wal-Mart cheese are you talking about? I don’t like Velveeta Cheese ..
Can I microwave the dip
Yes! I believe you’ll want to stop it a few times to stir. I personally would add the meat after I’ve melted the cheese so it doesn’t get that over microwaved meat taste.
Always a football day staple, best dip ever.